“He quit gobbling so I left.” I cannot count the times I have already heard this and it is only the first week of April. Every time I hear it I ask, “well what do you think he did?” And I usually get a disgusted look and sometimes a “when I stood up he was right there at fifty yards and I never knew it.” Now, I am no expert by any means but I was taught how to hunt and kill turkeys by two men who were old timers twenty years ago and they still to this day chase turkeys like there is no tomorrow. So don’t get mad when I get to straight to the point here. I am simply going to state something that many people don’t want to hear because it’s the truth. Ready? Here it is. Just because a turkey can gobble does not mean he has to!
Now I am the first to admit that I lose my patience with a turkey, or four, every spring. But the times when I keep my patience are usually times when I leave with one over my shoulder or I at least have good idea of what he did and where I need to be next time.
There is no doubt that hunting has changed in the last twenty years. I think the one thing I have seen change the most though is the impatience a person has when turkey hunting. Yes, running and gunning is effective and I do it almost daily. But even in that type of hunt we all need to show some patience. Don’t just call and run to the next spot. Stand there ten minutes and let the animals dictate your next move. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to call at each spot you come to. Go to an area, be quiet and keep a good eye out. Just doing this for fifteen or even twenty minutes can give you the upper hand and lead to many more turkeys finding themselves on the wrong end of your shotgun. Now, I am headed out to let another longbeard test my patience. Good luck boys and girls!
